2. cables
  3. 156923-110858

RCA to XLR Adapter

I have a Herron pre amp that has only RCA outputs.  I'm considering buying a pair of used Merrill Audio Veritas Monoblocks that only have XLR inputs. I found these Cardas female RCA to male XLR adapters that would allow me to make the connection.  Are there any downsides to using adapters such as these? 
128x128oldschool1948
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
503 posts
 
@almarg Thank you for the thorough and helpful reply.  
gp4jesus
37 posts
 
If you make your own, be patient, twice check your connections, and try one channel at a time. 
If you get hum, obviously something is incorrect, check again😊
Been there, ”doing that,” satisfied w/the results. One day I’ll upgrade the cabling. Right now too many other, bigger fish to fry. 
Tony
maxwave's avatar
maxwave
994 posts
 
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na2f-d2b-tx
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na2m-d0b-tx
I use them without any issues.
you have XLR male or female input choice.

ebm
9,311 posts
 
You will always loose sound quality with adapters no matter how good.I think you best bet is to look at an amp that does single ended well such as PASS etc. 
gp4jesus
37 posts
 
ebm6 is correct - adapters in the path will degrade SQ

Concerning the “mixing and matching” connecting single ended to balanced or the reverse - some degradation can occur. 
My cables are the adapter - XLR on one end, RCA one the other. My balanced gear is forgiving - some is not😡 As I posted, one day better cables w/better connectors. Better ingredients better 🍕😊. 
More to discover